What happens when you combine all the comfort of classic spaghetti with the golden, cheesy magic of a baked pie? You get a Spaghetti Pie Recipe that’s the kind of weeknight hero you’ll wish you’d discovered years ago. This dish layers familiar flavors in an irresistible new way: a buttery spaghetti “crust,” creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and a bubbly mozzarella finish. It’s the definition of cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just the thing to serve when you crave both fun and nostalgia at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Spaghetti Pie Recipe are delightfully simple and each one brings a little something special to the table. Every component plays a part, from the salty Parmesan boosting the crust’s flavor to the mozzarella melting into golden gooey perfection.
- Spaghetti: Start with 6 ounces of uncooked spaghetti for the base. Choose regular or gluten-free if needed!
- Butter: Just two tablespoons infuse the crust with rich, buttery flavor and help keep it from sticking.
- Parmesan Cheese: One-third cup adds salty punch and helps “glue” the spaghetti crust together.
- Egg: Beaten, it binds the spaghetti, Parmesan, and butter so your crust holds up after baking.
- Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: A half cup gives a creamy barrier between the pasta and sauce, so nothing gets soggy.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: One pound brings hearty, savory goodness—swap for mushrooms or lentils for a veggie version.
- Onion: A small, diced onion lays down a sweet, savory base in the meat sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced—because is there any savory dish that isn’t better with garlic?
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: One and a half cups bathes the filling in tomatoey, herbed bliss.
- Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon brings aromatic basil, oregano, and a hint of magic.
- Salt & Black Pepper: One-half teaspoon salt and a quarter teaspoon pepper round out the flavor profile.
- Mozzarella Cheese: A full cup shredded, for oozy, bubbly, golden goodness on top.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful finishing flourish.
How to Make Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Drain the Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a big pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente—you want it to retain a little bite, since it’ll bake further later. Drain it well and keep it warm for the next steps.
Step 2: Make the Spaghetti Crust
While the spaghetti is still warm, toss it generously with the butter, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. The warmth helps the butter melt in and the cheese to adhere, while the egg gets everything sticky and ready to form your crust. Pour the coated spaghetti into a greased 9-inch pie dish, and use your fingers or a spoon to press it across the bottom and up the sides, creating a well for all that luscious filling.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Cheese Layer
Spread the ricotta or cottage cheese smoothly over your spaghetti crust. This layer creates a creamy barrier, sealing in the moisture and flavor, and keeping your crust structured and the slices easy to serve.
Step 4: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce
Heat a skillet over medium. Add your ground beef or sausage (break it up with a spoon), along with the diced onion. Sauté until the meat is browned and the onion has softened. Mix in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about a minute. Now add the marinara or pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld into a hearty, saucy filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Mozzarella
Spoon the meat sauce over your ricotta cheese layer, spreading it out to cover the filling evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, making sure every inch gets a little cheesy love.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide the pie dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for melty, golden-brown mozzarella and bubbling edges—a sure sign everything inside is dreamy and hot. Let the Spaghetti Pie rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to set up for picture-perfect slices.
How to Serve Spaghetti Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brightens the look of your Spaghetti Pie Recipe, it adds a slight peppery freshness that cuts through all the richness. A dusting of extra Parmesan is always a welcome finishing touch—don’t hold back!
Side Dishes
Pair your Spaghetti Pie with crisp garlic bread or a leafy Italian salad to round out the plate. Simple sautéed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even a tangy marinated tomato salad are all fantastic choices to balance the heartiness of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping touch, serve individual slices on colorful plates and top with basil leaves, or bake the pie in mini ramekins for adorable, single-serve portions. If you want to take the Spaghetti Pie Recipe to a potluck, consider baking it in a disposable foil pan—just slice, serve, and bask in the compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Spaghetti Pie is a wonderful gift for your future self! Let any leftover slices cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors seem to marry even more overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for later? You absolutely can! Once cooled, wrap the Spaghetti Pie or individual pieces tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to three months. It’s perfect for last-minute dinner guests or busy weeknights when you need something hearty in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, place your Spaghetti Pie in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, and bake until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the crust stays a bit crispier in the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Spaghetti Pie Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a medley of roasted vegetables. You’ll still get plenty of heartiness and fantastic flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the spaghetti crust from falling apart?
Mixing the hot cooked spaghetti with butter, Parmesan, and especially the beaten egg is key—the egg acts as a binder while baking, giving the crust its signature “sliceable” structure.
Can I use different cheeses?
Of course! Ricotta is classic, but cottage cheese works well, or you can mix in some cream cheese for extra richness. For the topping, try provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses alongside mozzarella.
How do I make Spaghetti Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti, and double-check your sauce and sausage or other ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe works beautifully!
Can I assemble the pie ahead of time?
Definitely! Build your Spaghetti Pie Recipe up through the mozzarella topping, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Spaghetti Pie Recipe, it just might steal a regular spot in your family’s meal rotation—it’s the kind of homey, satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a go, experiment with your own tweaks, and enjoy every cheesy, cozy bite!
Print
Spaghetti Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Spaghetti Pie recipe that combines the comfort of pasta with the convenience of a pie. This savory dish features a spaghetti crust filled with a flavorful meat sauce and gooey cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti Crust:
6 oz uncooked spaghetti, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg (beaten)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese, 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 1/2 cups marinara or pasta sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, then mix with butter, Parmesan, and beaten egg.
- Form crust: Press spaghetti mixture into a greased pie dish to form a crust.
- Add cheese: Spread ricotta/cottage cheese over crust.
- Cook meat: Cook ground beef/sausage with onion, garlic, add marinara, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer: Spoon meat mixture over cheese layer, top with mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing, garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
